Hypersensitivity pneumonia: UIP/IPF histopathologic presentation

To the editor:

A 59-year-old businesswoman had enjoyed lifelong excellent health until 7 years previously, when episodes of pneumonia had occurred in 3 consecutive years along with a chronic cough. Two years later, she had been diagnosed by means of a chest roentgenogram with interstitial lung disease, and her symptoms had progressed to include shortness of breath with activity. After worsening of pulmonary functions, she underwent an open lung biopsy.

Histopathologic assessment revealed a pattern consistent